[quote]Aghast wrote:
Which Olympic and WC marathon did you race in? Did you race for the USA? I didn't know such accomplished runners post on here.
I am not at that level and never will be but the fact that you can't run a marathon every other week is what makes it so much fun and so great. To build up for one race and put it all on the line is amazing and instead of it being stressful, it is fun and exhilarating.
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I ran for Canada between 1995 and 2003 (2 OGs, 4 WC). It was a blast and I had some good performances. But the emotional and physical effort that goes into a marathon race is draining. If you invest everything you have for months and then get a bad day, it is devastating. It can set you back for months or years.
I was a journeyman and not a star like Hall. The pressure I felt was nothing compared to what he feels. He made a smart decision not to have a bad race, but rather to regroup and go when he is ready. Sometimes stuff doesn't work out and your training doesn't come together how you hope. Better to back away when you know you aren't set to go.
People can slam him for scratching, but they have no idea what is involved in racing at his level. He is not out there for a fun run. He is a professional who has to manage a career that might only include less than 8 more solid marathons. Why waste one when he is not really fit?